Top 6 Red Sox Pitching Prospects of 2014

We all know Lester and Lackey, Buchholz and Uehara, but who’s next? Last season saw the likes of Brandon Workman and Drake Britton work their way up to from the depths of the farm system to the big club. Check out the Red Sox six best pitching prospects, all of whom have the potential to be the next best thing in the rotation.
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Gene J. Puskar

1. LHP Henry Owens

Enjoys no-hitters, short walks to the dugout

The 6-foot-7 Owens has had a 19 2/3 innings hitless streak, and has been involved in two no-hitters, including Opening Day of this season in a rain-shortened six-inning win for Double-A Portland. A smooth delivery and a mid-90s fastball in the repertoire has led to 308 strikeouts in 242 2/3 career innings for the 21-year-old.
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Jim Davis

2. RHP Matt Barnes

Flame thrower with all-business attitude

A 2011 first-round pick out of UConn, Barnes is a no-nonsense type pitcher who has a curveball to match a heater that routinely hits in the upper 90s (can hit 98-mph). Has allowed only 77 free passes to 275 strikeouts and was a member of Team USA in the 2012 Futures All-Star Game.
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Jeff Roberson

3. RHP Anthony Ranaudo

Battle tested and standing tall

After battling through injuries Ranaudo has returned to fulfill the potential that comes with being a first round selection. The New Jersey native went 11-5 between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket last season, has a fastball that sits in the mid-90s, and a highly regarded curve to counter with.
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Gerald Herbert

4. RHP Allen Webster

Poised and near ready

After coming over in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Webster has spent much of his time in Pawtucket, flashing a four-pitch arsenal that has the ability to force ground ball outs. He did spend some time in Boston last season, but struggled, allowing 37 hits and 18 walks in 30 1/3 innings. Is on the short list for early season callups.
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Michael Dwyer

5. LHP Trey Ball

Youthful, all-around athlete

Just 19 years old, Ball was the seventh overall pick in last year’s draft and expects to fill out his 6-foot-6, 190-pound frame as he matures. Has fastball and changeup that are both above average pitches to carry him through his early pro years while he continues to develop his curve. Was also a top-rated outfielder in high school.
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Ted Kirk

6. LHP Brian Johnson

Knocked down, but never out

Had scary incident getting hit in the face with a line drive while pitching at Fenway Park for the Lowell Spinners in his first year, but showed no ill effects in returning to the hill last season. Had a 2.54 ERA in 19 starts with Class-A Greenville last year, earning him a bump up to Advanced-A Salem late in the season. Steady and seasoned after spening three years playing at the University of Florida before getting drafted 27th overall in 2012.
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